Flag Etiquette

Flags should take the following ranking:

Your own national flag

Foreign visitors national flag

Corporate flags or flags bearing logos

Any other flags

National flags must not be flown from the same flag pole as this suggests that the higher has conquered the lower

Ranking of Flag Poles Should you have more than one pole of the same height, the rightmost flag pole with your back to the building is the most important.

If one flag pole is taller, no matter where it is positioned it becomes the most important. The most important flag poles bear the national flag then follow rank as above.

Pollution The dyes used in the manufacturing process are all tested for UV stability. However, salt and direct sunlight can have an adverse effect on colour.

Air pollution will cause white areas of a flag to become grey over time. At present there is no way to prevent this discolouration.

Flag Care

Damage Damage to flags and flagpoles is often caused in windy conditions. Lowering your flag in adverse weather can prolong the flags life.

Ensure that the halyard is taut at all times to reduce the risk of damage.

Storage Always hang your flag and allow it to dry fully before storing. Flags should be stored in a dry and ventilated environment and a proprietary moth repellent should be used if storage is prolonged.

Washing and Repair Flags can be washed in a normal household washing machine on a 40 degree wash with normal detergent. Do not use soda or bleaching alkali.

Fraying flags can often be trimmed back and re-hemmed, with the addition of anti-fray material to prolong the life of the flag.

Life Expectancy of Flags The life expectancy of a flag is impossible to predict as it is dependent on climatic conditions and hours of flying. Since most flags are either an act of courtesy (national flags) or for branding (company flags), it is best to have them in top condition by maintaining and changing them regularly.

Flags should be lowered in adverse weather conditions such as:Freezing temperatures, strong winds exceeding 25mph (force 6 strong wind on the Beaufort scale), Heavy or prolonged rain, causing the flag to become waterlogged. Failure to lower flags in these conditions may result in damage to the flag and failure of the pole.

Head Office Bicton Ind Park, Kimbolton, Cambridgeshire PE28 0LQ

Tel: 01480 861 678

Birmingham Off ice 1048 Coventry Road, Hay Mills Birmingham B25 8DP

Tel: 0121 773 6789

South West Off ice Ash House, Cookway Bindon Road, Taunton TA2 6BJ

Tel: 01823 330 733